Mechanical compensator



ug- 17,1945 w. c. HOWARD, JR 2,326,780

MECHANICAL COMPENSATOR Filed June 25, 1941 Attorneys under external load.

Patented Aug. 17, 1943 UNIrEoT STATES a ear-es erated compensator for eliminating clearance and compensating for wear or expansion of the parts of a machine. It is particularly adapted for silencing and maintaining the eiilciencyiof the valve-operating mechanism of internal combustion engines, although it is capable of. use wherever a device of `this nature is desired.

A principal feature of the inventiony involves the use of a spring-biased compensating member resting on the bottom thereof is a lower `presy sure bodyvn the form :of aY ring Irl, the upper endr of which has three ball grooveslZ spaced equi-distant; from4 each other vand which Vform inwardly andv downwardly'sloping` cam surfaces.`

"Theplunger i3, which constitutes the`com` pensating member, has a central stem-'portion as the main operating unit of the compensator,

a plurality of setsof balls-or other anti-friction devices cooperatingwith the compensating member to permit its movement forthe desired compensating elect, but to lock it v'against movef ment when the deviceisl transmitting the eX- ternal work load. The parts are so arranged that upon release of lthe external load they unflock automatically and readjust themselves to new positions of the related parts, such as those resulting from thermal expansion, etc. I

Devices have previously been proposed for this purpose which involved the use of a plunger spring-biased to take up clearance .andlocked` by wedge means against return movement when But these devices have relied upon additional parts such as inertia mem,- bers or separately operated stems, to unlock the wedge means, and have notbeen as simple' and eflicient as the structure of the presentinvention. v

`The invention provides a self-contained and self-operating unit `that requires no modifica` tion of the related parts and hence can be installed with a minimum of expense and trouble.

While the examplesfillustrated and Vdescribed herein show the invention as applied to a Valvetappet compensator for an internal combustion engine, the invention is not limited to that field, and Various changes may be made` in the vdisi4 which carries vfixed atv its lower end a head ,i751 formed `with a conical` uppervsuriace which provides Yc am'surfa'ces I6 whichslope outwardly and downwardly,and xedat its upper Vend a head lformedonits" underside with a coni.- cal surface which provides cam surfaces I8which slope.upwardly,andy outwardly, The upper side 'of` head Vll is. formed with la conical surface which forms outwardly and downwardly extending camsurfaees la. A washer 11k@ 'part 2li is slidablymounted on stem I4 and formsa oating separator as will be subsequently described.

AThe oatingseparator maybe assembled'on the plunger i3 innany convenient manner,I as byV originally forming either thering or the `plunger'in two lseparate pieces which are `welded j together ,after the parts .are assembled.

closed structure without departingfrorn the spirit Y of the invention as herein set forth andy claimed.V

In the drawing j Y.

Figure l is a longitudinal. section of a unit adapted for use as a valve tappet compensator.

Figure 2 is a view in section similar to Figure l, but showing the unit installed.

Figure 3 is asectionv on line 3 3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a View similar to Figure 3, but illustrating the use of rollers instead 'of balls, and possible variation in the shape of the other parts.

Figure 5 is a View similar to Figure 2, butI illustrating diagrammatically a further modification.

In Figures 1 to 3, which illustrate gone ern' bodiment of the invention, the numeral l0 indicates a cylindrical cup which forrnsrthe tappet body and housing. Inside thebody and Numeral 21 indiaresrthe intermediate-ring,

whchfor'ms anintermediate pressure body,` and which1v has its lower side formed. with three inwardly fand upwardly extendingr ball grooves,

forming cani surfaces 22, and its upper side formed with inwardlyand downwardly extending ball grooves, forming camwsurfaces 23.

The cap 24, which forms the top pressure body, has a flat surface 25 on its loWer side-and a cen- .tral ldepression 2 5 'which1 provides clearance for movement of the take-up plunger i3. Holes' 2 permitminsertion of a ,toolhto tripY the Atake-up plungerin a manner subsequentlydescribed. VA typical unit,y measures approximately 11/3 inches from the top of capv 21% to the bottom of the tappetbody. f e

To", transmitfpressurebetween the operating parte with a minimumf'of friction ball rollers areY used, arranged in three series. The lower series of `rollers consists `lof `vthree balls28 which ride `in the-1.ball'grooves l2-of ring Il andagainst cam surfaces; I6 of lower` headl'id, andghave' their upper. portionsin contact with the lower flat face of oa'ting'separator 2li. Y y

The middle series of rollers consists of three balls-29 which ride in the ball groovesI 22 on the against cam surfaces i9 .ofthe upper head ITI,

and haveptheir.upper-*portions in cpntact with the 10V/e1 atface ofcap 2li,v y Y Y e The plunger I3 is biased upwardly by a take-up spring 3| disposed between the plunger and the bottom of the tappet body, while upward move-V ment of the parts when in free condition is limited by the split retainer ring 32.

strong material such as steel.

u InstallationV VFigure 1 shows aself-contained unit'ready for installation in the vvalve-operating Vmechanism points of contact being snugly engaged under pressure derived from the take-up spring.

During this action of taking up clearance the parts move from their positions in Figure 2 toward their positions in VFigure 1, the latter view Allparts of Y' the unit are preferably formed of some suitable illustrating the positions after the unit has reached the limit of possible movement in the clearance-absorbing direction.

of'an internal combustion engine, while Figurev 2 shows the unit'insptalled between a valve-operating cam 33 and a'valve stem 34. VIn making'this installation the valve is lifted or removed, as in installing a conventionaltappehand the unit is dimensioned so that when the valve is released the stem 34 engages cap 24 of the compensating unit `with'the full force of the valve spring.. This forceV immediately locks the compensating unit inapproximately the position 'of Figure 1 in a manner subsequently explained, but when a tool i'sinserted through oneof the holesw2'I andthe plunger I3 is pushed down, the unit is tripped and the take-up action (described vin the next section) then operates to move the parts'to the normal starting position illustrated in Figure .2. In this position the *valve is pressed against its seat by the full Vforce kof the valve spring 35, (a force of It willbe clear from the above explanation that Vsince the.A upperv rollers 30 and the cam surfaces E9A and 23 translate upward movement of the plungerV I3 into upward 4movement of the cap 24;` these devices can be said'to constitute translating means.'

Locking' action in Vassuming. load As soon Yas the cam 33 begins to apply pressure tov theA tappet body the compensator is placed under external pressure between the cam' and the valvespring 35. This externaly pressure causes the partsof the compensator to automatically lock/in substantiallyk the position illustrated in Figure2. Y Experiments have demonstrated that the upper series of rollers 38' is vno-t involved in this about 55 pounds in a specific case) minus the light pressure of the take-up spring 3| y (which in the samecase is 'pounds). In assumingthis v normal Vstarting position the yparts havereadjusted Vthemselves so that the cap 24is approximately'midway of its permitted vertical travel, and there is direct contact between the cam and the bottom of the tappet body as well as between the cap 24 and the valve stem-lV Action in takt-nig( up'clearance t' As stated previously, the unit operates to eliminateV all clearance, between'thV cam and the valve stem. This Voperatiomwhich takes place "when the unit is rst installed as'justdescribed, as well as whenever clearance tends to arlse'for any reason such as wear or thermal contraction of the parts, takes place as follows: y

Take-up spring 3l forces plunger I3 upwardly, thus forcing the upper-series of rollers, 30, to roll upwardly and outwardly'ion grooves VY23 of the" intermediate race rin`g2|.' During this upward movement of plungel3 the intermediate -causes the upper series of rollers to roll outwardly in radial directions along'lthe lower iiat face 25 of cap 24 and simultaneously to move Vupwardlocking action, and it is believed that ythe locking action can-most'A readily be explained by considering what occurs when the lower ring or pressure body H and the intermediatejring or pressure body ZI areforced toward each other. When this happens each of lther cam surfaces I2 onthe lower ring'l I and each of thecam surfaces 22 on the intermediate ring 2 I form opposite walls of a constrictablewedge groove which, while be inglconstricted, vforces the lower rollers 28 andv 'middle rollersV 29 against the` floating separator 20 andi against the upper and 'lower heads of plunger I3'.Y Since theseheads are integral with the plunger'they cannot separate and their cam surfaces I6 and I8 form opposite walls of a fixed wedge groove, the resistance of which causes the plunger` I3, floating separator 20 and these two 'sets of rollers to become rmly locked as a single Aunit wedged between the sloping walls of the constrietableV wedge groove formed by the inclined cam surfaces I2 and 22.

The wedgin'g force just described` is suiiici'ent to resist Aany downward movement of plunger I3 under the downward loadapplied to the plunger from the upper series of rollers 3th This is apparently due to the fact that the upper rollers 39 divide their downward force equally between the intermediate pressure body 2| and the plunger I3,l hence Ythel force applied to maintain the wedging action described is equal to the force tending tofmove plunger I3 downwardly,

V But when additional force is applied directly to plunger I3, as by inserting a tool through one vof the openings 2'I in the manner previously explained, the balance of forces is destroyed, and

compensating for' lengthening of lz )lilzz The unit also compensatesior lengthening :of

Y thevalve parts, such as that resulting from mcpansion of the metal 4under increased tempera.-k ture. This compensation 'occurs in the following manner. Y

When the compensator is placed under an'exe ternal load, as recited in the previous section, the iirst part of theV external pressure is taken up'by-elastic deformation of the parts,` which, in the typical case mentioned, permits the come pensator unit to give to the extent of approxi.- mately 0.001 inch up to the time the full load is assumed. This movement of cap 24 downward relative to the tap-pet body is transmitted down.- wardly through the top series of rollers 3B and since these rollers are supported equally on intermediate pressure body 2l and plunger i3, .a downward movement of approximately 0.001 inch of the valve parts has taken place, therewould `bea tendency for a` clearance ofi 0.0 D05vinchz to is transmitted to intermediate pressure body 2l i Yand plunger I3. At this point, that is, after all As the cam turns to valve-closing position and f the external load on the compensator is released the parts unlock, freeing plunger I3 and `permitting itto relocate itself under pressure of takeupspringl. f l

This unlocking takes place slightlybefore the parts have returned totheir original'linstalled position. The apparent reasonfor this occurrence is that when the lastY part of the load `is removed (the part that on the app'lication'of the load caused an elastic defornriation4 of 0.001 inch) the elastic return (releaseof elastic deformation) causes the intermedi-ate pressurebcdy 2| to move upward relative-.to plunger i3. thus; pressing rollers 30 inward again@ the plunger. This force of elastic return of the parts is strong enough to overcome spring .31, and it therefore moves the plunger down, unlocking the parts. The upwardv movementiofl intermediate .press mediately 'taken up: by the spring 3l to -prevent appearfbetwecn the-end vof the valve stem', and the cap` for the unit. f Butfthis; slight amount of potential vclearance 'is kept-'fromappearingby the springl 3If= pressingY the plunger .I3A upwardly.

Vcap 24 in contact with the valve If instead, any change inrelativepositions of cam: andY valve stem hasfoccurredjusuch as might bei caused: byV thermall expansion of the.'

valve stem, the spring 3l and plunger'` 'I3 merely permitv the cap Iltobe' heldidown tcanew pol siticn somewhaty lower: thari'its original position,

within Ythe 010005 hichpotential l c1'earance.'

l Itl can be seen,fthereforathatat the. end-cf each load stroke the unit unlocks fat. :a position 0.0005 inch'shorter than .its position on'the .pre-

vious stroke; Theunlt'cantherefjore acccmmo; date itself on eachstroke'to-an. increase lof, 010005 inchinthe length ofthe parts; This Aback-oil of the' compensatorfis due to theactionfo-f' elastic return in unlocking the`A parts, so it may approf vpri'atel-y be called'v "elastic back-off. `Vi/lille each working stroke results in a potential felastic back-lofi of 0.0005 inch, any of' the back-off not usedup by thermal expansion of the parts is imthev occurrence at` anytime of' actual clearance anywhere between the cam and-the valve stern.

It will be understood from the above explanation. that then-nit acts by spring v-pre'ssiflreto prevent the development of any clearance-,that its lockingpal'ts` provide for a positive drive when external pressure is applied, and that theA elas- `tic back-o- .permitsfthe uni-t to adjustitself sure body 2| is believed-to result from the fact..

to new-:positions ofthe parts-'due to their length'- enlng under thermalexpansion..l Because-allor these actions take pla-ce withinV the unit-fin ree:

spense to external forces, the una isj'enurly self'- containedand self-operating, requiring nol vaddi"- tional parts such as oilsupplysystems, inertia It therefore requires members', or operating rods'. no modification? of fthe other parts towhich it is related', and can be very easi-lyinstalled". i

'Ine advantages of the unit as applied'tofin-L ternal combustion engi-nes,V whi'clrwillbe self-eviact between the upper andflower heads of plung- A er I3, the upward reaction of middle rollers 29 on upper head Ilappears to be exactly balanced by the `downward reactionofl the lower rollers 28 on the lower head I5, hence these forces cancel out. n y

Since one-half of the upward' movementof intermediate ring 2! is utilized to move thercllersV 3D inward, and the plunger I3 downward, only one-half of this upward movement is transmitted to the cap 24. The result istlfiat'thev unit unlocks when onelhalf of thetotal elastic de-V lformation has been released, so that while the unit underwent an elastic deformation of 01001 inch while assuming the I'oad'-, in -thel unloading action the plunger I3 unlocks when the unit has undergone an overall elastic return cfabout 0.0005 inch.

The unit could, therefore, be 0.0005linch shorter dent to .those skilled inthe art, includev thel quiet engine operation that comes 'from/the elimination of tappet clearance, andthe; increased power and t prolongation-of valveflifeithat come from the positive cam action permitted byuse of the unit.

Theoperation oftheinvention. hasv been described above in connection with? acertain unit designed for internal combustion engines', v'but those skilled in the are win iinderstandthatit is capable of considerable modicatjionandadafpt-r able for wideapplieation. 'I'husall of the cam of this''angle number of rollers may be used dependingon the mechanical details of the particular` installation,

secure the` inclined cam surfaces.'V

and anyj convenient arrangement maybe use dto For convenience thevunit has'vbeen described 2 g I and claimedy in a position withl the axis' of .the unit l than itwss engineman if rechange mieneth surfacesr` are shown disposed at anaz'igl'e ofv 45 to the vertical axisof theunit. Thisv is the anglev It has been found, however; that f parts ofthe form 'shown inFigures .l .to3'. .In

Figure 5 the compensatingl member. is an outer cylindrical part I3a having interior'cam surfaces Isa and I8va', which form'the walls ofr thexed wedge groove and carrying at its upper end, the cam surfaces 19a. r y Y Y `The central plunger'includesja 'stem Ida-'which Y carries a lower head l5a, which forms-the lower pressure bodyand carries cam surfaces I2a. An upper headgllmwhich.isslidably mounted on the upper end of stem Ma, vforms the intermediate pressure body and carries lower cam surfaces 22a and upper'cam surfaces 23a. .Y The ,cam surfaces I2a and 22a form Vthe opposite inclined wallsvof a constrictable wedgegroove.

A floating separator ZDand series of balls 28, 29, yand 3i) are arrangedrand operate'asin the Aform previously. described. "-,I'o'facilitategassembly of the separatorA A within the cylindrical body I3a, thelatter is'preferablymadeimtwo parts secured together, as by welding'subsequent to assembly.

, A spring Sla biases vthe compensating member upwardly, and tends to move cap Lila uplowery pressurel body; ian upper pressure body; spring meansbiasing the upper and lower pressure bodies apart; means including anti-friction devices cooperating Awith cam surfaces operable by .the application of an external load to interpose a rigid column of mechanical parts tocarry the load; and means operable by the release of the the 'external load topermit the upper and lower pressure members to readjust themselves to new positions closer together than they. were originally. 'y

3. 'A mechanical compensator comprising: a lower pressurebody; an upper pressure body; springsmeans biasing the upper and lower pressure'bodies apart; means including anti-friction devices cooperating with cam surfaces operable bythe application of an external load to inter- `pose a rigid column of mechanical parts to carry the load; and means including-part of said rigid column operable by the release ofthe external load to permit the upper and lower pressure members to readjust themselves to new positions closer together than they were originally.

wardly to eliminate clearance. g The parts of this embodiment operate exactly like the-correspond-V ing parts of the embodiment previously, I described, it being clear that in both cases the fixed wedge-groove is -formed .on the `spring-.biased compensating member, while .the .constrictable wedge groove .is formed betweenthe intermediate pressure body and the *lowerl pressure body,

Since the housingrplays no part inthe operation of the device .except to hold thepartslof the unit in position, it may be ,dispensedwith if the unit can .be installed inra bore in someother part,`

or otherwise kept in .assembled relation. f

The operation of the unit is inno way depend.-

4. A mechanical compensator unit comprising: a lower pressure body; an upper pressure body; a compensating member; means biasing the compensating member toward the upper pressure memberfand tending to increase the distance between'the upper and lower pressure members; means operable to lock the compensating member against movement when the upper and lower pressure members are pressed together by 'external'load; and means operable by release of the external load to unlock the compensating member before the lower pressure member .and .upper pressure member fully return to ytheir original positions, thus permitting the unit to shorten on the next application of external load.

5. A mechanical compensator unit comprising: a lower pressure body; an. upper pressure body; a'compensating member; a` spring biasing'the compensating member toward the top pressure member and tendingto' increase the distance between the top and ibottom pressure. members; locking means Iincluding anti-friction devices .operatingon cam surfaces for locking the coment upon close` tolerances, andhence it can be leconomically manufactured `and assembled, and

it has along operating life, Vrequiring no.main tenance excepta small supplyof lubricant. l The unit can accommodate itself to such wide .variat-l tions .in position of the valve stem as those. re- Y sulting from reseating of the valve, etc. I

The invention is, of course, not limited to use in internal combustion engines, but'canbe applied wherever a deviceis useful that willmain tain a clearance-'free tregardless ofwear or minor. changes in length of the related parts.

Iclaim: a i f l. A mechanical compensator unitcornprising:

a lower pressure body; an upper pressureV body;-

pensating. member topermit lthe unit to carry an externalY load; and unlocking ,means including anti-friction devices operating on Ycam surfaces for unlocking the compensating member and permitting thel unitto shorten to accommodate itself to increased length 'of-associated parts.r

6. A mechanical -compensator comprising: a compensating member having oppositely inclined cam surfaces forming a'iixed, Wedge groove; a lowernpressure body; an intermediate -pressure body;-` the lower and intermediate pressure bodies carrying cam surfacesv Whichare oppositely inmeans biasing the upper and lower pressure bodies apart; means operable by the. application of an .external load to the unit to interpose a rigid, .positive column of mechanical parts to carry vthe load; and means operableby the release of the external loadfrom the unit to permitJ the upper and lowery pressure members to readjust themselves to new .positionsfcloser together than theywereoriginally. l

2. Ay mechanical compensatorcomprising:r a

clined and are movablerelativeto each other and form a constrictable ywedge groove opposite said Ailxed wedge groove; a floating separator intersecting the xed wedge groove and the constrictablefwedge groove 4andhaving opposite faces parallel to each othertwo Series of 4anti-friction devicesfdisposed between the xedwedge groove andthe constrictablewedge groove' and in contact respectivelywith theopposite parallel faces ofthe floating sepa1ator;ithe parts being so disposed that when the lower and intermediate pressure bodies are moved toward each other by'an external load the said two series of antifriction devices and the separator become wedged between .the fixed wedge groove and the con'- .strictable wedge groove, locking the. compensatmg member against movement.

7. A mechanical compensator comprising: an upper pressure body; a compensating-member; a

spring biasing the compensating l-memberupf wardly; means whereby upward movementA of the compensating member causes upward 'movef ment of the upper pressure body; the'compensating member'having oppositely inclined `cam` surfaces forming a fixed wedge groove; a lower; pressure body; van intermediate 'pressure body;4 Y

the lower and intermediate pressure jbodie'sf 10 carrying cam surfaces which are Qppositely *in-i clined and are movable relative to each other vand form a constrictable wedge groove opposite said fixed wedge groove; a floating separator interjsecting the ixed wedge groove andthe constrictable wedge groove andhavingloppositefaces par-A v allel toeach other; two series of antifriction dee vices disposed between the'iixed wedge 'groove and the constrictable wedge' groove andin foon# tact respectively with opposite parallel faces'of".L

headsv of the plunger and contactingthe floating 2,6

the floating separator; the parts being so ;dis"

posed that when theflowerfand 'intermediate pressure bodies are movedtoward eajc'h 'other'by an external load the said .twoseries of "anti-'fric` tion devices"v and the separatonbecome wedged between the xed wedge grooveand the conf strictable wedge groove,'locking the compensating member against movement.

8. A mechanical compensator comprising; upper, intermediate'and lower pressure bodies; a,` compensating `member 'havingloppositely1in; clined cam" surfaces vforming anxed wedge groove; a spring biasing thecompensating mem# ber in'a direction to increase the distance between the upper and lower pressure member'si the lowerY and Y.intermediate pressure' bodies carrying cam surfaces which"arervoppositelyin clined and are movable relative to each' other and lform a constrictable wedgelgroove opposite said xed' wedge groove; a oating separator inter'- secting'the fixed wedge groove and the constrictf able Wwedge .groove and h'avii'i'g oppbsiteL-face's parallel to each other; locking means adapted to be wedgedV betweenv the lixed wedgeg'roove land the constrictable wedge groove to lock thec'ornkpensatng member, said locking .means including two series 'of anti-'friction devices .,dispo'sed; Vone on eachside of saidnoating separatorand in VVtlielower lflat, side vof the noatingseparato" contact respectively with theparallel faces; and

unlocking means for unlockingk the 'compensatring member, said unlocking means l.including anti-friction devices which Contact cam surfaces on theup'per side of the rintermediate pressure' member 'and cam surfaces on the Vupper sidelof the compensatingv member, saidunlockin'g means permitting the .unitto shorten tolaccommoldate f vitself to increased length of associated parts. f` g 9. A mechanical cempensator unitfrcoinprisl i ing: a part having a stem', a topfand a bottom head, the upper sur-face` of thelower head'vo'having a conical vportion tapering .downwardly fromV o on theupper side of 'the intermediate pressure.V

rnjemgber y and vthe fconical 'portionE "on the upperv L side of saidftopheadpand a spring'biasingjthe plunger upwardlyand V( JperatingY tlirougri vthe Y yconical portion `4 on the upper' side; of said ,rftop the axis of the plunger, the under part of Vthe Y upper head having aconical'porti'on tapering- 1V upwardlyf-rom the axis f' the plunger, "said coni'- cal portions vforming cam surfaces which .con-

stitute -the 'sides of Va iirst wedge l groovei the upper part of uppenhead having aconicarpertion forming cam surface'sjfa oating-separator mounted on the stempartsof .thelunit carrying cam surfaces whichY constitute -a 'second wedge Agroove disposed opposite the'rstlwedge groove; @ne .Oisad WedgefgrfOOYeS being sXd wedge groove and the other groove fbeing,a.con

Astrictable Wedge grooye; and` locking means cludin'gr two series Yof .anti-frictionridevices 1o. cated-'on opposite sides of the floating separator respectively; andy unlockingv-means includingv anti-friction 4devicesjwhich contact the camy surfaces on the -upper part. ofY the upper fh'ead;

10.' A mechanical` compensator comprising: I

upper, intermediate, and lowerV pressure `bodies ;4

- alplu'nger having a stem, a top headand la bottom head, the two heads r being fixedat opposite ends oi-thelstem; a floatir'i'gseparator mounted on the stem; a springbiasing tlie plungerv in.V a direction -to increaseV the distance between the upper and lower' pressure Vmembers; "locking means v*adapted to'be wedgedi'between .camr sur-'- faces 'onl the intermediateand: low-ercpressureY members, said-locking"means'f'comprsing ballsy contacting cam surfaces on `thetopY and bottomV separater; and `unlocking means for. 'unlocking tlieplu'ngen said unlocking means including the said balls and 'additional-ballswhich contact cam surfaces :onir the upper side of Ythe .intermediate fpressuremember and on the upperfside of the top 'headfoi 'the -plugen-Y said. unlocking means permitting tneunit to shorten to accom-V modate itself to increased length of V`associated parts.

having' cam SuraGm'a-plunger having a top head Aandj-"a bottomheadjtne two heads 'being connected by afstern, the upper'part-of each headr 'havingaconical yion tapering downwardly `from the aXisofltl-ie vp lunger,tli`e under part of ,tige upper fhead -havi-ng a conical portion tapering upwardly '-from'the axis of the plunger "-a 'noating separator-liavingT flat yupperand lower l `si'd'esmounted non the"' ste'm; locking "'xn'eans". v v adapted tobe'wedged between cainsurfaceson "the intermediate and lowerf pressure members,

said locking -nieans comprising Aballs `r` contacting the conicalsurface oni the f1,.1n c'ler-p:'a,rt vof said top head I and the upper flatc'side othe floating separator, and ballsjcontacting the'conical'sur-V ,face on the upper -part of said bottornheadunlocking 4'means including the said ba additional balls-which contact thecam-su locking means ffer unlocking the Yplunger saidVY ll and head `to vroll the `balls on: al cam surfacegofj'the intermediate pressure member,` thus increasing is@ 'upper and lower lires'-V the `distanc e4-between sure'mmbers" f o Y t12. A mechanical ycompensator unit cornpr strictable wedge grooves, the locking/means in- 11. mechanical compensator comprising:- upper; intermediate and lower pressure members,y the intermediate and'flower pressuremembers top head and" a bottom faces and on itsrupperiside downwardly and inwardly inclined cam surfaces; a top. pressure member; a lower series of anti-friction members assenso engaging the cam surfaces on the bottom head of the plunger and the cam surfaces on the lower pressure member; a middle. series of anti-fric-Y tion members engaging the cam surfaces on the under side` ofthe intermediate pressure member andthe cam surfaces on the under side of the top head of the plunger; a top series of antifriction members engaging the cam surfaces on the upper side of the intermediate pressure member, and the'fiatV surface on the under side ofthe top pressure body; a floating separator slid- `ably mounted von the stemof vthe plunger and extending between, the loweriandmiddle series of anti-friction members; and al spring biasing the plunger upwardly. 1 Y Vg 13. A mechanical compensator comprising: a cylindrical part forming acompensating member and having Aan internal rgroove with sloping sides which form the walls of a fixedwedge groove,Y the upper surface of the cylindrical part carrying cam surfaces which slope inwardly and downwardly; a plunger located withinthe cylindrical pari-and comprising a stem having va lower head fixed at one end thereof, the lower head having on its upper partcam surfaces which slopeioutwardly and downwardly; and an upper head slidably mounted on the upper end ofthe stem, the upper head having on its'under'side cam surfaces which slope outwardly and upwardly,A said camsurfaces on the upper and lower heads forming the walls of a constrictable `wedge groove; the upper head having on its upper part camsurfaces which slope downwardly and outwardly; a floating separator surrounding the stem of the plunger and intersecting the fixed wedge groove and theconstrictable wedge groove;l and vlocking means adapted to be Wedgedbetween the fixed and corfstrictable we dgegrooves, thelocking means including two series of anti-friction devices located on opposite sides ofthe floating separator respectively; unlocking means includingxantifriction 'devices which Contact the cam surfaces on the upper partof theupperhheadV and the upper part of the cylindrical Y.compensating member; anA upper pressure body; and a spring upwardly to move the v upper pressure' body upwardly.V

14. A mechanicalv compensator comprising: lower,v'inter mediate and upper pressure bodies;

compensating member" spring-biased toward i the upper pressure body; la first s etof anti-'frictiondevices engaging 'cam surfaces on' the ccmpensating member and the intermediate pressure body and a fiatlsurface onthe upperpress'ure plied tothe compensator the second and third sets; of .anti-friction devices become-wedged between the fixed and constrictable `wedge, grooves,

locking the compensating' ymember against movement, and Yforming a rigid column comprising the pressure bodies, thelanti-friction devices and the floating separator; Vthe 'parts being so disposed i that when the locking parts arelreleasedthelcompartsovf the compensator'tqlunicck therigid co1;

16. '.A mechanical compensator comprising; lower, intermediate and upper pressure vbodies a compensatir'ig member spring-biased'toward the upper pressure body; translating means for translating upward movement of the 'compensating memberintolmovement" of the upper pressure body away fromthe lower'pressurebody. the

translating means including'a first set'jof antifriction devices; locking means forlocking the compensating'member, the locking means including second and third setsof anti-friction devices separated'from each otherfbyafioatingsepa# rator; each `of said anti-friction vdevices cooperating with a fiat surface disposed at'right angles to the axis of the compensator and with twosurfaces opposed to eachothenthe two opposed surfaces being formedi o n separate parts Arespectively, andbeing disposed at angles v vhiclr-are Yacute to their cooperating fiat surface.

17,1 A" mechanical compensator comprising:

flowenjintermediate and upper pressure bodies;

biasing the Y'cylindrical compensating member Y body, wherebyl movement of the'vc'ompensating f member .underinfluence of the spring causes theV Yupper pressure body to mvle:awayv from" the vintermediate pressureA body; the compensating -i ,member havingfoppositely inclir'i'ed,camV surfaces forming a fixedfwedge groove; the lower and in-- termediate pressure bodies carrying cam'surface's inclined oppositely to, and movable relative to, eachother and which form a constrictable wedge Vgroove opposite'said fixed wedge groove; a floating separator in the Yform. of a disc havinglflat upper and lower faces intersecting vtlieveifixefd `and constrictable wedge,grooves, 'second and third sets of anti-friction'devices disposed on opposite sides respectively 'of Vthe floating separator A and between the fixed `and constrictable 'fwe'dge grooves, whereby when an external load'is ap' a compensating memberspring-biased toward the upper pressure body ;jtranslating means for translai-,ing"upward` movement of the compen's `ating memberinto movement` Aof the upper pressure ibodyaway from the lower. pressure body', vthe translating meansincludingj a, first set'ofjantifrictiondevices; locking l means 'for locking the Ycompensating vmembeigthe `locking means vincluding second and third, sets of anti-friction devices'iseparated from'each other. "by `aj .floating separator; each` of said" anti-friction' devices vco'- Operating with a flat-surface disposed vat right anglesto the axis of Athe compensator and with two* surfaces opposed to eachj other, the two opposed surfaces being formed on A separate parts respectively; the Vsaid separatev parts being movable relatively to each" other, and the `said opposed surfacespbeing disposed at `'angles which areacute to their cooperating fiat surfaces.

v'18.11' locking device for locking. two parts movablev relatively to each other which comprises: cppositely inclined camv surfaces von one of said ymovable parts forming ksides of a fixed wedge groove; oppositely inclined cam Vsurfaces carried by the' `other ofv said movable yparts forming sides of a movable wedge'y groove; a floating separator intersecting the xed and'vmovablewedge grooves; and two'seriesof anti-friction devices located onoppcsite sides of the floating separator, respectivelypyV 19. A locking 'device for locking two partsY movable relatively to each other lwhich comprises: oppositely inclined fcam surfaces; on one oit-said movable partsf'formingsides of a fixed inclined face of thefixed wedge groove and with an inclined face of the movable wedge groove.

20. A mechanical compensator comprising: a Y

compensating member having oppositely inclined cam surfaces forming a fixed wedge groove; a lower pressure body; an intermediate pressure body; the lower and intermediate pressurel bodies carrying cam surfaces which are oppositely in` clined and are movable relative to each other and form a constrictable wedge groove opposite upper and lower pressure members; kthe lower and intermediate pressure bodies carrying cam Y i surfaces which are oppositely inclined` andare movable relative to each other and form a con"- strictable wedge-groove oppositesaid fixed wedge groove; a floating separator having opposite flat faces; locking means adapted to be wedged be# tween the fixed-wedge groove and the constrict- .able wedge grooveto llock the vcompensating member, said locking means including anti-friction means dispo-sed on opposite sides of the iioat-v V ing separator; and unlocking means for unlocking the compensating member, said unlocking means comprising anti-friction means in contact with cam means on the upper side` of the intermediate pressure member and with camv Y means on the upperside of the Acompensating said xed wedge groove; a fioating separator having opposite flat faces; first anti-friction means in contact with one of said fiat faces of the fioating separator; second anti-friction means in. contact with the other of said fiat faces of thefloating separator; the first and second anti-friction means and the floating separator being 'disposed between the fixed wedge groove and the constrictable wedge groove; the parts being so arranged that when the lower and intermediateV pressure bodies are moved toward each other by an external load the said two anti-friction means and the separator become wedged between the fixed wedge grooveiand the constrictable wedge groove, locking the compensating member against movement.

21. .A mechanical compensator comprising: an upper pressure body; a compensating member; means biasing the compensating member upwardly; means whereby upward movement of the compensating member causes upward movement of the upper pressure body; the compensating memberY having oppositely inclined cam surfaces forming a fixed wedge groove; a lower pressure body; an intermediate pressure body; the lower and intermediate pressure bodies carrying cam surfaces which are oppositely inclined and 'are movable relative to Yeach other and form a constrictable wedge groove opposite said fixed wedge groove; a, iioating separator having opposite flat faces; first anti-friction means in contact with one of said fiat faces of the iioating separator;

second anti-friction means in contact with the other of said flat faces of the iioating separator; the first and second anti-friction means and the oating separator being disposed between the xed wedge groove and the constrictable wedge groove; the parts being so arranged that'when 4the lowerand intermediate 'pressure bodies are moved toward each other by ,an external load the said two anti-friction means and the separator' ecome wedged between the fixed wedge groove and the constrictable wedge groove, lockingthe compensating member against movement. A

22. A mechanical Vcompensator comprising: upper, intermediate and lower pressure'bo'dies; a compensating member vhaving oppositely inclined cam surfaces forming a fixed wedge groove; a spring biasing the compensating member in a direction to increase thedistance between the i catedV on one side of the iioating separator; and another anti-friction means located on the other, side of the floating separator; each of said anti` friction means cooperating with `a at face'of member; said unlocking means permitting' theVV unit to shorten to accommodate itself to in-A creased length of associated'parts.

23. A `mechanical m compensator comprising: v f

lower, intermediate and Vupper pressure bodies; a compensating member spring-biased ytoward the upper pressure body;

ing member into movement of the upperipressure body away lfrom the lower pressure body, the translating means including first anti-friction means; locking means for locking the com- I pensating member, the locking means including second andthird anti-friction means separated fromeach other by a fioating separator; each of said anti-friction means cooperating with a fiat surface disposed at right 'angles tothe axis of the compensator andy withtwo surfacesl op. posed to each other, the two opposed surfaces being formed on separate parts, respectively, and being disposed at angles whichY are acute relative to theircooperating fiat surfaces. 24. A locking device for locking two movable relatively to each other which comprises: oppositely inclined cam surfaces on one of said' movable vparts forming sides of aV xe'd wedge Y K groove; oppositely vinclined camsurfaces car-V ried by the other of said movableparts forming sides of a movable wedge groove; a iioating sepa-g rator intersecting the yfixed and movable wedge grooves; anti-friction meanslocated onone side of the floating separator; and another anti-fric tion means located on the other side of the iioating separator. i; j

25.7- A locking. device for locking two-parts movablev relatively toeach otherwhich comprises: oppositely inclined cam surfaces 'on one of vsaid @movable parts forming sidesA o f a fixed wedge.

groove; oppositelyl inclined cam surfaces carried'. K by the other of vsaid movable parts forming sidesk of a movable wedge groove; a-oating separator inv the form of a washer having opposite Vfiat faces parallel to each other, the separator being4 disposed in a position intersecting the fixed and movable wedge grooves; anti-friction means lo-` the floating separator and with an inclined face of said fixed wedge groove and with an inclined face of said movable wedge groove.

WILLIAM C. HOWARD, :Jal v translating means for g translating upward movement of the compensat- 

